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Homemade Vanilla Extract

Pure vanilla extract from the store can be pricey staple if you use it as often as I do. Luckily, though, there is a great alternative to spending a lot of money or reverting to imitation extract. It’s called homemade! And it’s easy to do. Seriously easy.

Last month, I stumbled across this great tutorial from Elaine at The Italian Dish for making the extract, but there’s really no need to follow a strict recipe. Homemade vanilla extract only requires a bottle with a cap and two ingredients: Vodka and 3-4 vanilla beans of your choice (I used Bourbon beans but here’s an informative post about many different kinds).

All you do is this: Halve and split open your vanilla beans with a paring knife (Elaine has beautiful photos demonstrating how to do this). Plop the split beans into a bottle, about 4-5 oz. in size. Fill to the top with vodka (I used Svedka), shake gently and store in a cool, dark cabinet. When you’re running low, just fill up the bottle with more vodka, and eventually add some fresh vanilla beans. It will last for years.

The extract needs 6-8 weeks to fully develop before it’s ready to be used. However, after about 5 weeks, I have grown impatient and made chocolate chip cookies, pancakes and strawberry-vanilla jam with it, and the smell and taste have been more pronounced than with any store-bought variety I’ve ever used. It’s really amazing.

Whether as a gift for friends or family, or just to experiment, try this for yourself and you’ll be happy you did!

Georgia, This is such a good idea! I go through the good stuff like crazy but I am going to borrow your idea and give this a go. Wishing you the best this holiday and thanks so much for visiting my blog!

Georgia-I have to mark this on my new calendar to remember to do as a gift next year. Beautiful photos and your blog looks incredible! Thank you for your sweet comments-they make me smile:) Merry Christmas!! xo

This is great! I won homemade vanilla extract in a giveaway earlier in the year and I’m almost out…. Now I don’t have to cry in my pantry when it’s gone…all I need is some vodka… I got the beans just waiting to be used! Thanks for sharing Georgia!

This sounds wonderful! I’ve read about making your own vanilla, but I’ve always wondered about how it really turned out. With your recommendation though, I’m tempted to try it now! Love your bottle! :)

Hi Georgia, I found your from your guest post on Chef Dennis. I just had to know how to make the homemade vanilla extract you used in your souffles. I can’t wait to try them. I’m a new follower too, look forward to reading more. Have a great weekend.-Gina-

Hi Georgia, I made your vanilla extract about 3 months ago and was wondering how long I can keep it? Do I just keep refilling it back up with vodka and vanilla beans and if so, how long before I have to discard the vanilla beans from the bottle? Thank you! I love your recipe for this! I am on my second bottle. The first time I made it with vodka and the second one is made with rum.

Hi Latasha – I’m glad you’ve enjoyed this extract! As the recipe states, this extract lasts for years. You can keep topping it off with vodka once in a while as you use it, just remember to give it a good shake. Eventually, add some fresh vanilla beans.

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